The parasympathetic supply to the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum arises from sacral spinal segments S2–S4 and reaches the gut via:

• A Hypogastric nerves
• B Pelvic splanchnic nerves (nervi erigentes) ✓
• C Lumbar splanchnic nerves
• D Pudendal nerve

Explanation

Pelvic splanchnic nerves (nervi erigentes) from S2–S4 carry preganglionic parasympathetic fibres to the inferior hypogastric plexus, from which postganglionic fibres supply the descending and sigmoid colon, rectum, bladder, and genital organs. The hypogastric nerves carry sympathetic fibres from the superior hypogastric plexus (L1–L2). Lumbar splanchnics are sympathetic. The pudendal nerve is somatic (perineal structures).

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.